Ben Shelton supports Novak Djokovic's shorter match idea

Ben Shelton has given a positive response to Novak Djokovic's idea for shorter tennis matches. The American believes the suggested scoring format could create an interesting competition.

Djokovic proposed sets played to four games and a deciding point at 40-40. Matches would still use a best-of-five-set format under his idea.

The proposal uses sets won by four games

A standard set normally requires six games and a two-game margin. Djokovic's proposal would reduce that target to four games and shorten many individual sets. The second change removes advantage scoring at deuce. The next point after 40-40 would decide the game instead of starting another advantage sequence.

Five-set matches could remain part of the format. A player would need three shorter sets rather than three traditional sets at the major tournaments. The aim is a match that rarely extends beyond two hours. The exact duration would still depend on rallies, service games and possible tiebreaks.

Shelton was surprised that Djokovic supported shorter matches

Shelton noted that Djokovic built his career through exceptional endurance. The Serbian has won many long matches across five sets during major tournaments. That history made the suggestion more interesting to the American. Djokovic is not asking for change because he lacked success under the traditional format.

Shelton said he liked the idea and would enjoy playing it. He has already seen shorter scoring used at the Next Gen ATP Finals. The event uses experimental rules with quicker sets and no-ad games. Its format gives current players a practical example rather than only a theoretical plan.

Novak Djokovic strikes a backhand during the 2026 season.

Traditional tennis rules remain central to the debate

Shelton also acknowledged that tennis protects its history. Major tournaments have records and famous matches built around the current scoring system. Changing set length would make direct comparisons harder. A five-set victory under shorter rules would contain fewer games than many earlier matches.

Tournament organisers also sell sessions around expected match lengths. Shorter contests could improve scheduling, but a rapid finish may reduce time on court for spectators. The shorter format also changes the opening game. A slow start becomes more costly when four games are enough to win a set.

Four-game sets increase the importance of each point

One early service break may decide a short set. The receiving player has fewer later games available to recover the difference. The deciding point at deuce adds another direct moment. Servers cannot rely on earning repeated advantages before finally completing the game.

Best-of-five play still allows movement across the match. A player can lose two short sets and recover, although the total playing time remains lower. Physical endurance would retain value through repeated sets and rallies. It would share more importance with a fast start and immediate concentration.

The idea remains a proposal

Djokovic's comments do not change the current ATP rules. Any formal trial would require decisions from organisers and the bodies responsible for each competition. Exhibition events and youth tournaments offer possible testing grounds. Data from those matches would show average duration and the effect on competitive balance.

Shelton's support adds a current top player to the discussion. His response also includes respect for the traditional system used across the tour. The debate now has a clear format to examine. Four-game sets, one deciding deuce point and five-set matches form the central parts of Djokovic's suggestion.

Short sets already exist at the Next Gen Finals

Short sets have been used at the Next Gen ATP Finals for several seasons. Young players experience the faster scoreboard before entering the highest level of the tour. The format makes each return game more important. Losing serve early often leaves only one or two chances to recover before the set ends.

No-ad scoring also creates frequent direct points. Both players know that one rally at deuce decides the complete service game. Shelton referred to that experience when discussing Djokovic's idea. A wider trial could compare those matches with traditional tour events under similar conditions.

Scheduling and recovery would also change

Shorter matches make the daily programme easier to predict. Tournaments could reduce long delays when an earlier contest extends across several hours. Players may also receive more stable recovery periods between rounds. That benefit matters when rain or late finishes compress the schedule.

A shorter format does not remove physical effort. Repeated acceleration, serving and long rallies still place significant demands on the body. The discussion therefore concerns balance rather than an easy version of tennis. Officials would compare sporting quality, player health, broadcasting and the experience inside the stadium.